DESTIN, FLORIDA INSHORE AND SORF FISHING REPORT

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If you’re heading to Destin for spring break and planning to bring a rod, here’s the lowdown on what’s biting and how to make the most of your trip. I’ve been keeping tabs on the area and talking to some of the local guides, and let me tell you—there’s no shortage of fish, whether you’re hitting the surf or sneaking into the back bays.

 

 

INSHORE FISHING REPORT

 

Right now, the inshore bite is heating up big time. As water temps climb into the mid-60s, fish are getting fired up and feeding hard.

 

What’s biting:

• Redfish are stacked up around docks and grass flats, especially early in the morning and late afternoon. You’ll find slot reds cruising the edges, and if you’re lucky, a bull red might show up.

• Speckled trout are starting to show up in deeper holes near grass beds. They’re hitting soft plastics on a slow retrieve, especially when the tide’s moving.

• Sheepshead are thick around bridge pilings and rock structures—if you’ve got fiddler crabs or shrimp, you’re in business. Be patient. They’ll nibble a few times before they really eat it.

 

Where to go:

• East Pass jetties

• Under and around the Destin Bridge

• Choctawhatchee Bay shoreline grass flats (especially on a moving tide)

 

What to use:

• Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic that still works like a charm.

• For artificials, paddle tail swimbaits in white or natural colors are getting smoked.

• If you’re targeting sheepshead, go with a Carolina rig and a fiddler crab or a chunk of fresh shrimp—small hooks, light line, and lots of patience.

 

 

SURF FISHING REPORT

 

If you’re staying beachside and want to fish without a boat, the surf is a great option this time of year.

 

What’s biting:

• Pompano are starting to roll through in small schools, especially on warmer days. Bright-colored pompano rigs with Fishbites or sand fleas are a killer combo.

• Whiting (also called Gulf kingfish) are hanging in the first trough and love fresh shrimp.

• Redfish are showing up close to the beach—fish the deeper cuts and you might hook into a solid one.

• You might even see a black drum cruising through, especially on a cloudy day with a little chop.

 

Best setup:

• A 10–12 ft surf rod with a 4000+ reel, 15–20 lb braid, and a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader.

• Use double-drop pompano rigs with 2/0 circle hooks, a 2–3 oz pyramid sinker, and bait up with shrimp, sand fleas, or Fishbites.

 

Hot tip: Fish the low tide going into high, and look for that outer sandbar. Cast just inside of it and let your bait sit tight. If you’re not getting bites within 15 minutes, move down the beach until you do.

 

 

BONUS FISHING TIPS

 

Let me hit you with a few quick bonus tips that’ll help you catch more and stress less:

1. Use lighter line in clear water. Destin’s water can be crystal clear, especially on a calm day. Drop to 10–12 lb fluorocarbon leaders for more bites.

2. Fish early. The bite’s usually better right after sunrise—plus, the beaches are quieter before the spring break crowds show up.

3. Bring a sand spike for surf fishing. Trust me—you don’t want to lose a rod to a surprise redfish run.

4. Match your bait to what’s around. If you see sand fleas at the water’s edge, that’s what the pompano are eating. Same goes for shrimp in the bays.

5. Check the wind. An east wind can lay the surf flat and bring fish closer in. A strong west wind usually muddies things up—fish the clearer side of a jetty or inlet.

 

 

That’s the full run-down. Whether you’re down here just for the week or you’re thinking about making Destin a regular spring trip, there’s no shortage of fish or fun. Grab a rod, enjoy the sun, and don’t forget to tag NOEoutdoors if you land a good one—I want to see what y’all reel in!